EPM3512AQC208-7N - 512-Macro MAX 3000A CPLD, 208-PQFP | Altera
MPN: EPM3512AQC208-7N β Last Time Buy| Qty | Unit Price | Extended |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $69.02 | $69.02 |
| 10 | $62.12 | $621.20 |
| 100 | $55.22 | $5,522.00 |
| 500 | $48.31 | $24,155.00 |
| 1,000 | $41.41 | $41,410.00 |
EPM3512AQC208-7N Overview
What is a CPLD? A Complex Programmable Logic Device is a non-volatile programmable logic IC that combines multiple PLA-style macrocell blocks with a central interconnect matrix. Compared with simple SPLDs and with SRAM-based FPGAs, a CPLD offers instant-on non-volatile configuration, predictable timing (fixed propagation delay independent of routing), high-drive I/O, and lower cost at smaller logic capacities. The MAX 3000A family is the I/O-rich, 3.3 V, in-system programmable (ISP) tier of the classic Altera MAX architecture, sitting below MAX 7000/MAX V in density and above 22V10/legacy PALs in capacity.
Key features include 32 Logic Array Blocks (LABs) each containing 16 macrocells, 5 ns global clock network, IEEE 1149.1 JTAG boundary-scan, IEEE 1532-compliant ISP, MultiVolt I/O supporting 1.8 V / 2.5 V / 3.3 V mixed-voltage interfaces, and four user I/O banks with pin-locking for incremental board revisions. The -7 speed grade corresponds to the 7.5 ns tPD / 116.3 MHz fCNT specification. The plastic PQFP-208 package is surface-mount and supports commercial 0 Β°C to 70 Β°C ambient operation.
The EPM3512AQC208-7N uses a 0.30 Β΅m EEPROM process with a CMOS EEPROM-based configuration cell that retains the bitstream without external memory. The JTAG TAP controller implements IEEE 1149.1 BST plus IEEE 1532 ISP, allowing concurrent multi-vendor programming on a board that mixes PLDs from different vendors. This combination of non-volatile storage and JTAG ISP is the reason MAX 3000A parts remain popular as boot-time glue logic, even when larger FPGAs handle the bulk of system logic.
Typical applications include bus-interface and address-decoding glue logic, I/O expansion and level translation, state-machine consolidation on legacy boards, peripheral control in embedded designs, and replacement of discrete 74-series logic. Industrial and commercial designs that need instant-on deterministic logic without external boot memory are the dominant use cases.
When designing with this device, observe the VCCIO banking rules (each of the four I/O banks must be configured to a supported voltage standard such as 3.3 V, 2.5 V, or 1.8 V) and reserve JTAG pins (TDI, TMS, TCK, TDO) for in-system programming. Decoupling should follow the Quartus II / MAX+PLUS II device family guidelines with bulk + high-frequency ceramics near each VCC/VCCIO pin group.
This page synthesizes distributor pricing, drop-in speed-grade and package alternatives from the EPM3512A family, and practical design notes not found in the manufacturer datasheet alone.
Drop-in alternatives for EPM3512AQC208-7N β same package, pin-to-pin compatible. Different-package parts requiring PCB rework are excluded.
Variants in this series
Same-series models that are drop-in compatible with EPM3512AQC208-7N (same form factor and footprint) β differing in Package, Speed Grade, Operating Temperature, Logic Array Blocks (LABs), Process Technology.
Quick Comparison Tool β Select alternative parts for side-by-side comparison:
EPM3512AQC208-7
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$41.72 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPM3512AQC208-10N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$42.8 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPM3512AQC208-10
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$22.1 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPM3512AQC208-10S
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$9.75 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPM3512AQC208-10NS
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$32.4 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPM3512AQC208-3N
β Drop-Inβ In Stock
$16.4 / Unit
View Datasheet βEPM3512AQC208-7N Maximum Ratings & Electrical Characteristics
| Family | MAX 3000A |
| Logic Capacity | 512 macrocells, 10,000 usable gates |
| Logic Array Blocks (LABs) | 32 |
| Macrocells per LAB | 16 |
| User I/Os | 172 |
| Propagation Delay (tPD) | 7.5 ns |
| Maximum Frequency (fCNT) | 116.3 MHz |
| Supply Voltage (VCCINT) | 3.3 V (3.0 V to 3.6 V) |
| I/O Bank Count | 4 (MultiVolt) |
| Supported I/O Standards | 1.8 V / 2.5 V / 3.3 V LVTTL/LVCMOS |
| Process Technology | 0.30 Β΅m CMOS EEPROM |
| Configuration | Non-volatile EEPROM, in-system programmable (ISP) |
| JTAG Interface | IEEE 1149.1 BST + IEEE 1532 ISP |
| Package | 208-Pin PQFP / FQFP-208 (Plastic Quad Flat Pack, gull-wing) |
| Operating Temperature | 0 Β°C to +70 Β°C (commercial) |
| RoHS Status | Compliant |
| Speed Grade | -7 |
EPM3512AQC208-7N 208-pin pqfp / fqfp-208 (plastic quad flat pack, gull-wing) Pin Configuration Guide
Pin configuration for EPM3512AQC208-7N (208-pin pqfp / fqfp-208 (plastic quad flat pack, gull-wing) package). This digital IC includes GPIO, communication interfaces (UART, SPI, I2C), and power pins. Refer to the manufacturer datasheet for alternate pin functions and configuration options. Essential for embedded system design and PCB layout.
No detailed pinout data available for EPM3512AQC208-7N.
Refer to the datasheet for full pin configuration.
Typical Applications
EPM3512AQC208-7N is suitable for 6 applications: Address Decoding & Bus Glue Logic, I/O Expansion & Level Translation, State Machine & Peripheral Control, Legacy 74-Series Logic Replacement, Industrial Control Boards, JTAG-Based ISP Programming Hub.
Address Decoding & Bus Glue Logic
Why the EPM3512AQC208-7N fits: 512 macrocells and 172 user I/Os are more than enough to decode multiplexed address and control buses on legacy 8/16/32-bit processor boards while leaving headroom for status registers and wait-state logic. With a 7.5 ns tPD the CPLD comfortably meets 50-66 MHz bus timings without inserted wait states. How it is used: the part is placed between the processor/memory bus and peripherals, with JTAG (TDI/TMS/TCK/TDO) routed to a 4-wire header for in-system re-programming. Compared with discrete 74-series decoders it saves 4-6 packages and lets designers fix address-map errors via JTAG without respinning the PCB.
Recommended
I/O Expansion & Level Translation
Why the EPM3512AQC208-7N fits: MultiVolt I/O banks allow each of the four banks to drive a different logic level (1.8 V, 2.5 V, or 3.3 V) on the same die, eliminating external level shifter ICs when bridging modern SoCs to legacy 5 V-tolerant or 1.8 V peripherals. How it is used: VCCIO for each bank is tied to the corresponding supply rail, and the JTAG chain is shared with other Altera devices on the board. Compared with discrete translator ICs the CPLD solution is reconfigurable, so level-mapping changes only require a Quartus II recompile, not a board respin. The 116.3 MHz fCNT comfortably supports LVDS-style toggling in 3.3 V banks.
Recommended
State Machine & Peripheral Control
Why the EPM3512AQC208-7N fits: 512 macrocells comfortably hold several dozen state machines, counters, and PWM blocks in parallel, and the deterministic 7.5 ns tPD makes timing analysis straightforward without place-and-route iterations. Non-volatile EEPROM storage means the logic is live at power-on, before any MCU or FPGA configures. How it is used: a typical design loads the bitstream via JTAG once at board test, after which the CPLD autonomously generates chip-select, reset-sequencer, watchdog, and PWM signals for an attached MCU. Compared with an MCU-based implementation, the CPLD draws less quiescent current and reacts faster, but cannot be re-programmed at runtime.
Recommended
Legacy 74-Series Logic Replacement
Why the EPM3512AQC208-7N fits: A single EPM3512AQC208-7N replaces 4-6 packages of 74LS/74HC glue logic (decoders, latches, muxes, parity trees) on legacy backplanes, reducing board area and improving mean time between failures because of fewer solder joints. How it is used: the design is captured in AHDL or VHDL, synthesized with Quartus II / MAX+PLUS II, and programmed via JTAG during board test. Compared with discrete TTL, the CPLD solution is faster (7.5 ns typical decode), consumes less quiescent power at low toggle rates, and is one part number regardless of logic changes.
Recommended
Industrial Control Boards
Why the EPM3512AQC208-7N fits: 172 user I/Os are sufficient to drive multiple relays, opto-isolators, and sensor interfaces from a single 3.3 V device, and the commercial 0-70 Β°C temperature range covers most factory-floor enclosures. The PQFP-208 footprint is hand-solderable, simplifying field repairs. How it is used: the CPLD reads 24 V industrial sensors through opto-isolators into its I/O banks, then drives relay coils via MOSFET drivers; the JTAG chain allows field firmware updates without removing the board. Compared with a microcontroller-only solution, the CPLD provides deterministic interrupt latency and instant-on operation without bootloader delay.
Recommended
JTAG-Based ISP Programming Hub
Why the EPM3512AQC208-7N fits: The IEEE 1149.1 JTAG interface and IEEE 1532-compliant ISP let one EPM3512AQC208-7N chain program or read-back multiple Altera devices on the same board through a single 4-wire JTAG header. 172 user I/Os are more than enough to fan out TMS/TCK/TDI/TDO to several downstream devices while adding board-test stimulus patterns. How it is used: the CPLD sits between the JTAG header and a daisy chain of FPGAs, CPLDs, or BST-capable peripherals; production tests use the built-in boundary-scan test (BST) circuitry to verify solder joints. Compared with discrete JTAG fan-out buffers, the CPLD solution adds user-defined test patterns and isolates the chain during normal operation.
Recommended
Recommended Products Summary
Engineering reference data for EPM3512AQC208-7N β comparison, design guidance, and compliance information.
Selection Guide
Comparison with Alternatives
| Parameter | This Product | EPM3512AQC208-7 | EPM3512AQC208-10N | EPM3512AQC208-10 | EPM3512AQC208-10S | EPM3512AQC208-10NS | EPM3512AQC208-3N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brand | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera | Altera |
| Package | PQFP-208 | PQFP-208 - same | PQFP-208 - same | PQFP-208 - same | PQFP-208 - same | PQFP-208 - same | PQFP-208 - same |
| Macrocells | 512 | 512 | 512 | 512 | 512 | 512 | 512 |
| User I/Os | 172 | 172 | 172 | 172 | 172 | 172 | 172 |
| Propagation Delay tPD | 7.5 ns | 7.5 ns | 10 ns (slower) | 10 ns (slower) | 10 ns (slower) | 10 ns (slower) | 3 ns (faster) |
| Max Frequency fCNT | 116.3 MHz | 116.3 MHz | ~92 MHz | ~92 MHz | ~92 MHz | ~92 MHz | higher fCNT |
| Supply Voltage | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V | 3.0 V to 3.6 V |
| Operating Temperature | 0 Β°C to +70 Β°C | 0 Β°C to +70 Β°C | 0 Β°C to +70 Β°C | 0 Β°C to +70 Β°C | 0 Β°C to +70 Β°C | 0 Β°C to +70 Β°C | 0 Β°C to +70 Β°C |
Key Differentiators
- Highest-density 3.3 V MAX 3000A part in PQFP-208 with 172 user I/Os (vs EPM3256AQC208-10)
- 7.5 ns tPD supports faster buses than the -10 speed grade (vs EPM3512AQC208-10N)
- Pin-locking and incremental compile via IEEE 1532 ISP (vs EPM3512AQC208-3N)
Design Notes
Estimated: ICCINT for the EPM3512A in standby is approximately 30-50 mA (per the MAX 3000A family datasheet typical column) and rises with toggle frequency. Place one 0.1 Β΅F X7R ceramic plus one 10 Β΅F tantalum or ceramic bulk capacitor near each VCCINT and VCCIO pin group. Decouple each of the four VCCIO banks individually because they may be tied to different supply rails (1.8 V / 2.5 V / 3.3 V).
The PQFP-208 has 0.5 mm pitch leads with a thermal pad on the underside of the package - ensure the land pattern matches JEDEC MS-026 variation BBA. Route TDI, TMS, TCK, TDO to a 4-wire 2.54 mm JTAG header; pull TMS and TCK up to VCCIO of bank 1 with 10 kΞ© resistors per the IEEE 1149.1 recommendations. Keep JTAG traces short (<50 mm) and avoid routing them parallel to switching signals.
Although the EPM3512A I/O is 3.3 V LVCMOS/LVTTL, the MultiVolt architecture permits each of the four banks to operate at 1.8 V, 2.5 V, or 3.3 V. Series-terminate each output with 33 Ξ© if the trace exceeds approximately 50 mm or drives a heavily-loaded bus, because the strong 8/16 mA drive strength can cause overshoot on unterminated lines. Do not place 5 V devices on the bus - the EPM3512A is not 5 V tolerant.
Three pitfalls recur in EPM3512A designs: (1) forgetting that pin 1 is at the dot marker on PQFP and reversing the package footprint, which is silent in schematic but destroys the part; (2) leaving unused I/Os floating - set them to 'output driving ground' in the Quartus II / MAX+PLUS II assignment editor to minimize power and noise; (3) using the -7N in a timing path that requires fCNT above 116.3 MHz - the part will fail intermittently. Always run timing analysis against the worst-case PVT corner in the datasheet.
PQFP-208 has long bond wires that radiate; keep the part away from RF-sensitive analog circuits and place a continuous ground plane on the layer immediately beneath the device. If the design uses 1.8 V and 3.3 V banks, route the 3.3 V bank signals on the top layer and the 1.8 V bank signals on the bottom layer to minimize crosstalk through the package substrate.
Compliance Information
RoHS compliance inferred from Altera PQFP-208 lead-free package markings. Halogen-free status not stated in the verified web data. Not AEC-Q100 qualified (commercial-grade part).
